Guild Wars 2

Just what the title says, I only bought the game at the weekend and I’m a level 14 so I know I have an awful lot to learn.

As I wander around the starting zone my health seems to vary wildly from 450 to 1050 hp. Since I bought my game online I have no manual to thumb through and googling hasn’t left me any the wiser so – is it something to do with the amount I die? doesn’t appear to be related to my how damaged/repaired my items are…

Downscaling.
You are getting your level adjusted downward when you visit lower-level parts of the map.

You can find the information at the lower left of your screen. Left number is your level, right numer (with an arrow) is your effective level.

This explains it! I half suspected something similar so thank you for confirming

Also, there is an online manual which you can access from the login screen (before you press the play button). Or use this link. Its not the best manual, but it might help answer some of those initial questions you’ve been having.

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/manual/

I feel some time with the wiki may be in order!

Further, you may occassionally be getting buffs as reward for your World’s success in the World vs. World maps. Those can buff your HP in PvE.